"Be the change you wish to see in the world" ~ Mahatma Gandhi

The other day as I thought about the changing of the seasons I suddenly found myself in deep reflection. My thoughts wandered to the trees shedding their leaves and how this is a beautiful demonstration of the natural and important process of letting go of that which you no longer need. I also thought about the shift to nighttime taking over daytime and the contrast of light and dark.

A lot of energy can be spent on revealing one’s “good” qualities/sides, shining your light, putting your best foot forward, etc. and on hiding those parts of you that may seem unacceptable or unloveable. Do not be afraid of the deepest, darkest parts of you.The light and dark are both important– stars cannot shine without darkness.

I have become increasingly grateful for the process of releasing the old and making room for the new. For the opportunity to feel the deepest, darkest parts of me, embrace and dance with them. This process transforms my life not only personally but also professionally. The more I allow myself to connect to the depths of me the more deeply I can feel others.

The phrase “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” often resonates in my brain during these times of shedding and letting go. As different parts of me surface and reveal old limiting beliefs, I am often struck by a variety of emotions such as: resistance, grief, anger, and finally acceptance.

I’m happy to say that each time I experience these “healing crises” my movement from resistance to acceptance goes more smoothly, quickly and often with a stronger rebound. I’m also able to hear those various parts of me and limiting beliefs that tell me I should be someone different, than who I am in that moment, more clearly.

Focusing on the rebound and break through instead of the break down can help to ease this process of letting go.Take in the lessons and wisdom from the circumstances, celebrate that you are releasing that which no longer serves you and trust that you are creating space for something better to come into your life.

As we come into the time of the year when the darkness of night takes over the light of day, I invite you to dare to connect to those parts of you that you deem unacceptable or perhaps even unloveable and take this time to reflect:

How much time and energy do you spend hiding those “unacceptable” parts?

What limiting beliefs do you hold about yourself that are holding you back from the life you truly desire?

I’d love to support you in letting go of that which no longer serves you and deepening your connection to your healthiest, happiest, wisest self.Contact me to explore the depths of you in a safe, supportive and sacred environment.

(From the archives: originally featured article in Return to Balance Ezine: September 25, 2014. Edited for 2017 release.)